Madam Chair, we are a public government so we can’t actually black list contractors. In many cases, in problems that exist, the GNWT is not always a party to contractual agreements between general contractors and their subs. A lot of the times, issues are coming to me about subs and the issues that a primary contractor may be having with some of their subs. These subs are contracted to the person we’re contracted with. Our relationship is with the contractor, not with the subs.
The GNWT procurement policies and contract regulations do not permit the government to actually black list contractors from competing on public tenders as a result of unsettled disputes that subcontractors may have with other suppliers.
On larger projects, the GNWT requires that the general contractor provide a labour and/or material bond. This bond is specifically in place to provide protection to subcontractors and suppliers with outstanding claims against a general contractor. The GNWT is not in a position to interfere with this legal process established in our contracts for the protection of our subcontractors.
We make sure the bond is there so that subcontractors are safe. If we have an issue with a contractor on the actual delivery of a contract, there are mechanisms in place for us to seek remedy on an individual contractor. But as far as dealing with their subs, and this is where I have seen a number of people have concerns about a primary based on something that a sub is concerned about, and we can’t do that. Thank you, Madam Chair.